Written questions by Wrigley.

Whether it is her Department's policy that the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme is a humanitarian protection route.

In response to the invasion, the Government set up three generous schemes – the Ukraine Family Scheme, Home for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme and the Ukraine Extension Scheme – and have provided temporary sanctuary for over 300,000 Ukrainians fleeing the war.The Homes for Ukraine scheme remains open, uncapped and free of charge for Ukrainians in need of sanctuary to apply to come to the UK.On the 4 February 2025 the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme opened to applications. This enables Ukrainians and their eligible family members who are already in the UK with Ukraine scheme permission, or Leave outside the Rules in certain circumstances, to apply for a further 18 months' permission in the UK.The scheme will provide the same rights and entitlements to access work, benefits, healthcare and education as the existing Ukraine schemes.As part of the application process, individuals will be asked to provide evidence to prove their identity. For documents not in English, applicants must upload a certified English translation. Providing translations up front helps us to progress applications quicker.The Ukraine schemes are temporary sanctuary visa schemes rather than humanitarian protection schemes and are not routes to settlement. This approach recognises the Ukrainian Government’s desire for the future return of its citizens. It is important that our approach reflects their wishes.Other visa routes are available for those wishing to settle permanently in the UK, provided they meet the eligibility criteria of those routes.

What steps her Department is taking to support Ukrainians living in the UK on a long-term residency basis.

In response to the invasion, the Government set up three generous schemes – the Ukraine Family Scheme, Home for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme and the Ukraine Extension Scheme – and have provided temporary sanctuary for over 300,000 Ukrainians fleeing the war.The Homes for Ukraine scheme remains open, uncapped and free of charge for Ukrainians in need of sanctuary to apply to come to the UK.On the 4 February 2025 the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme opened to applications. This enables Ukrainians and their eligible family members who are already in the UK with Ukraine scheme permission, or Leave outside the Rules in certain circumstances, to apply for a further 18 months' permission in the UK.The scheme will provide the same rights and entitlements to access work, benefits, healthcare and education as the existing Ukraine schemes.As part of the application process, individuals will be asked to provide evidence to prove their identity. For documents not in English, applicants must upload a certified English translation. Providing translations up front helps us to progress applications quicker.The Ukraine schemes are temporary sanctuary visa schemes rather than humanitarian protection schemes and are not routes to settlement. This approach recognises the Ukrainian Government’s desire for the future return of its citizens. It is important that our approach reflects their wishes.Other visa routes are available for those wishing to settle permanently in the UK, provided they meet the eligibility criteria of those routes.

Whether Ukrainians who have (a) jobs, (b) homes and (c) families in the UK will be able to stay once the war has ended.

In response to the invasion, the Government set up three generous schemes – the Ukraine Family Scheme, Home for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme and the Ukraine Extension Scheme – and have provided temporary sanctuary for over 300,000 Ukrainians fleeing the war.The Homes for Ukraine scheme remains open, uncapped and free of charge for Ukrainians in need of sanctuary to apply to come to the UK.On the 4 February 2025 the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme opened to applications. This enables Ukrainians and their eligible family members who are already in the UK with Ukraine scheme permission, or Leave outside the Rules in certain circumstances, to apply for a further 18 months' permission in the UK.The scheme will provide the same rights and entitlements to access work, benefits, healthcare and education as the existing Ukraine schemes.As part of the application process, individuals will be asked to provide evidence to prove their identity. For documents not in English, applicants must upload a certified English translation. Providing translations up front helps us to progress applications quicker.The Ukraine schemes are temporary sanctuary visa schemes rather than humanitarian protection schemes and are not routes to settlement. This approach recognises the Ukrainian Government’s desire for the future return of its citizens. It is important that our approach reflects their wishes.Other visa routes are available for those wishing to settle permanently in the UK, provided they meet the eligibility criteria of those routes.

If she will take steps to extend the application window for the Ukrainian Permission Extension scheme to three months.

The 28-day window for applications to be submitted enables effective operational planning across all visa routes and helps to ensure sufficient biometric enrolment capacity across all routes, which ultimately allows us to deliver the most efficient service for customers.Those who apply before their current permission expires will retain the conditions of their current visa while their application is under consideration, enabling them to continue to exercise their rights to work, study, and live in the UK. As with all aspects of our service delivery, we will keep the operation of this scheme under review.UPE processing is aligned with other routes which have SLAs of 8 weeks. Currently the team are processing applications around week 2.

Whether the identity and nationality documents for the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme applications must be pre-translated.

In response to the invasion, the Government set up three generous schemes – the Ukraine Family Scheme, Home for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme and the Ukraine Extension Scheme – and have provided temporary sanctuary for over 300,000 Ukrainians fleeing the war.The Homes for Ukraine scheme remains open, uncapped and free of charge for Ukrainians in need of sanctuary to apply to come to the UK.On the 4 February 2025 the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme opened to applications. This enables Ukrainians and their eligible family members who are already in the UK with Ukraine scheme permission, or Leave outside the Rules in certain circumstances, to apply for a further 18 months' permission in the UK.The scheme will provide the same rights and entitlements to access work, benefits, healthcare and education as the existing Ukraine schemes.As part of the application process, individuals will be asked to provide evidence to prove their identity. For documents not in English, applicants must upload a certified English translation. Providing translations up front helps us to progress applications quicker.The Ukraine schemes are temporary sanctuary visa schemes rather than humanitarian protection schemes and are not routes to settlement. This approach recognises the Ukrainian Government’s desire for the future return of its citizens. It is important that our approach reflects their wishes.Other visa routes are available for those wishing to settle permanently in the UK, provided they meet the eligibility criteria of those routes.

If her Department will review the adequacy of its policies on police forces supporting foreign jurisdictions, in the context of the case of Ali Kololo.

Our thoughts are with Mrs. Tebbutt and her family, Mr. Kololo and all those who have been affected by this terrible crime.The operationally independent Metropolitan Police continue to progress matters relating to Mr. Kololo’s case.Under Section 26 of the Police Act 1996, the Home Secretary is responsible for providing consent for the deployment of all serving police officers and staff from England & Wales forces overseas and where advice or assistance is being provided to a foreign agency. The Section 26 process is a rigorous process undertaken by officials across His Majesty’s Government exercising due diligence on any proposed Police deployments, including that assistance overseas meets the UK’s human rights obligations and values.

If she will offer indefinite right to remain for Ukrainians on the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

The Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme opened to applications on 4 February 2025, which enables Ukrainians in the UK under the Ukraine visa schemes to apply for a further 18 months’ temporary permission to remain in the UK.We recognise the Ukrainian government’s desire for the future return of its citizens to Ukraine to assist in the rebuilding of the country. It is important our approach respects these wishes.This is why the temporary sanctuary Ukraine visa Schemes do not lead to settlement in the UK.There are other routes available for those who wish to settle in the UK permanently, if they meet the requirements.

If she will extend Ukrainian’s UK student visas.

Those granted further permission to remain in the UK under the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme will receive the same rights and entitlements to access work, benefits, healthcare and education as provided under the existing Ukraine Schemes.Individuals with permission under one of the Ukraine schemes have access to standard immigration routes to remain in the UK once their permission expires, in order to complete higher education courses they commence during their initial period of permission.Individuals will have continued access to student support and home fee status where they can show they have been granted further leave to remain in the UK.

What assessment she has made of the potential role of international students with Graduate visas in tackling workforce skills shortages in key sectors.

I refer the Honourable Member to my response to his question of 24th February 2025 [33207].

What steps she is taking to support police officers unable to benefit from the final ten years of enhanced accrual under the 1987 Police Pension Scheme.

The main public service pension schemes – including the police pension schemes – were reformed following the recommendations of the Independent Public Service Pensions Commission in 2011. This reviewed the public service pensions landscape and the potential reforms in depth.The 2015 scheme offers valuable pensions, improves affordability and sustainability, and is fairer to lower and middle earners. It is backed by the taxpayer, index-linked, and offers guaranteed benefits on retirement. Police officers, like the firefighters and the armed forces, also benefit from a normal pension age in the 2015 scheme of age 60, while other public service schemes have a normal pension age aligned to State Pension Age.The 2015 scheme introduced valuable protections for the benefits that members have accrued in their legacy schemes (including the 1987 pension scheme): protecting the point at which they can draw those legacy benefits, maintaining a link to their final salary against their pensionable service and where applicable, a link to the enhanced accrual rate.

If she will provide a path for settlement for Ukrainians in the UK linked to the 100 year partnership with Ukraine.

We recognise the Ukrainian government’s desire for the future return of its citizens to Ukraine to assist in the rebuilding of the country. It is important our approach respects these wishes.This is why the temporary sanctuary Ukraine visa Schemes do not lead to settlement in the UK.There are other routes available for those who wish to settle in the UK permanently, if they meet the requirements.

If she will bring forward legislative proposals to enable the repurposing of assets seized from sanctions violations to fund reparation for victims and survivors of serious human rights or humanitarian law violations and serious corruption.

Prosecutors and/or law enforcement agencies are currently able to confiscate or permanently seize assets where someone has benefitted from their offending or where their assets have or will have links to criminality, by making use of powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.This includes powers to allow law enforcement agencies to take civil proceedings to enable the permanent seizure of assets that are demonstrated to have been obtained through unlawful conduct or which are intended for use in unlawful conduct.We are committed to exploring all lawful routes through which Russian assets can be used to support Ukraine.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the transition from the 1987 Police Pension Scheme to the 2015 Career Average Revalued Earnings Scheme on officers who served nearly 20 years under the 1987 scheme.

The main public service pension schemes – including the police pension schemes – were reformed following the recommendations of the Independent Public Service Pensions Commission in 2011. This reviewed the public service pensions landscape and the potential reforms in depth.The 2015 scheme offers valuable pensions, improves affordability and sustainability, and is fairer to lower and middle earners. It is backed by the taxpayer, index-linked, and offers guaranteed benefits on retirement. Police officers, like the firefighters and the armed forces, also benefit from a normal pension age in the 2015 scheme of age 60, while other public service schemes have a normal pension age aligned to State Pension Age.The 2015 scheme introduced valuable protections for the benefits that members have accrued in their legacy schemes (including the 1987 pension scheme): protecting the point at which they can draw those legacy benefits, maintaining a link to their final salary against their pensionable service and where applicable, a link to the enhanced accrual rate.

If she will adjust pension calculations for police officers who completed the majority of their service under the 1987 Pension Scheme.

The main public service pension schemes – including the police pension schemes – were reformed following the recommendations of the Independent Public Service Pensions Commission in 2011. This reviewed the public service pensions landscape and the potential reforms in depth.The 2015 scheme offers valuable pensions, improves affordability and sustainability, and is fairer to lower and middle earners. It is backed by the taxpayer, index-linked, and offers guaranteed benefits on retirement. Police officers, like the firefighters and the armed forces, also benefit from a normal pension age in the 2015 scheme of age 60, while other public service schemes have a normal pension age aligned to State Pension Age.The 2015 scheme introduced valuable protections for the benefits that members have accrued in their legacy schemes (including the 1987 pension scheme): protecting the point at which they can draw those legacy benefits, maintaining a link to their final salary against their pensionable service and where applicable, a link to the enhanced accrual rate.

If she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the 20-hour-per-week work limit for international students during term time.

I refer the Honourable Member to my response to the Member for Bournemouth East’s question of 17 October 2024 [09875].

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of allowing international students to reduce skills shortages in key sectors through the Graduate Route visa.

The Graduate route enables international students who have successfully completed an eligible qualification to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, at any skill level for 2 years, or 3 years for doctoral students. It includes the ability to switch into other routes, such as the Skilled Worker route, if the requirements of such routes are met.

What the average processing time was for student visa applications in the latest period for which data is available; and what steps her Department is taking to reduce processing times for such applications.

Our published transparency statistics can be found here and include data on service standards. The current publication covers to Q3 2024.Visas, status and immigration data: Q3 2024 - GOV.UKWe continue to operate within our service standard of 15 days for straightforward applications, with even faster times for our priority services.Where applications are complex and we require further information or checks, decisions may take longer. This is to prevent abuse of our immigration system. All visa applications are carefully considered on their individual merits in accordance with the immigration rules.We encourage international students to apply as early as possible and ensure they have provided all required documents, to avoid any delay to starting their studies in the UK. Visa applications can be made up to 6 months before the course start date, once the student has their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from their education sponsor.We work with educational institutions and partners globally to ensure students are encouraged to apply for their visa as early as possible and guided through the application process online.

Pursuant to the Answer of 13 February 2025 to Question 29255 on Immigration: Overseas Students, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the student visa process on the international student experience.

An evaluation of the Student visa has been published on Gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/student-visa-views-of-students-and-higher-education-institutions.

Whether it remains her Department's policy to continue the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme.

To provide future certainty, Ukrainians provided with temporary sanctuary in the UK under the Ukraine visa schemes can apply for a further 18 months’ permission to remain in the UK through the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme, which opened to applications on 4 February 2025.The Homes for Ukraine scheme remains open, uncapped and free of charge for Ukrainians in need of sanctuary to apply to come to the UK. Ukrainians granted under the Homes for Ukraine scheme can continue to travel to sanctuary in the UK while their visa remains valid.The Government keeps the Ukraine schemes under review and engages, where appropriate, with relevant stakeholders while closely monitoring developments in Ukraine.

Whether it remains her Department's policy to recognise existing visas under the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.

To provide future certainty, Ukrainians provided with temporary sanctuary in the UK under the Ukraine visa schemes can apply for a further 18 months’ permission to remain in the UK through the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme, which opened to applications on 4 February 2025.The Homes for Ukraine scheme remains open, uncapped and free of charge for Ukrainians in need of sanctuary to apply to come to the UK. Ukrainians granted under the Homes for Ukraine scheme can continue to travel to sanctuary in the UK while their visa remains valid.The Government keeps the Ukraine schemes under review and engages, where appropriate, with relevant stakeholders while closely monitoring developments in Ukraine.